Student Version

Organization: Structure and Culture

Where We Are Now

32

Project Management Structures

Challenges to Organizing ProjectsThe uniqueness and short duration of projects relative to ongoing longer-term organizational activities The multidisciplinary and cross-functional nature of projects creates authority and responsibility dilemmas.

Choosing an Appropriate Project Management Structure

The best system balances the needs of the project with the needs of the organization.

Functional Organization of Projects

Project Management Structures (contd)

Organizing Projects: Dedicated TeamsTeams operate as separate units under the leadership of a full-time project manager. In a projectized organization where projects are the dominant form of business, functional departments are responsible for providing support for its teams.

Budget and time constraints

Stability of resource requirements312

Organizational Culture Organizational Culture DefinedA system of shared norms, beliefs, values, and assumptions which bind people together, thereby creating shared meanings. The personality of the organization that sets it apart from other organizations. Provides a sense of identify to its members. Helps legitimize the management system of the organization. Clarifies and reinforces standards of behavior.

313

Identifying Cultural Characteristics

Study the physical characteristics of an organization. Read about the organization. Observe how people interact within the organization. Interpret stories and folklore surrounding the organization.